Off the plan opportunities in the current climate

Investing 'off the plan' — committing to a property before it’s built — can lock in today’s price and potentially yield equity gains by completion. This type of property investment is particularly well-suited to this moment. In a climate of rising values and low supply, buying a property before it’s completed allows investors to secure a purchase price now for a future asset — effectively hedging against further price growth.

Only a small deposit (typically 5–10%) is required upfront, with the balance due at settlement, many months (or even years) later. This extended settlement period (often 12–24 months for construction) gives investors valuable time to save and arrange financing, all while any market growth accrues to their benefit. In a market that is trending up again, that means potential instant equity upon completion if values continue to rise.

The advantages of off the plan investing in 2025

• Locked-in pricing and capital growth: You lock in today’s price for a property that may not complete until 2026 or 2027. If property values climb during construction, that growth is yours — one expert notes you can 'gain instant equity when it’s finished', effectively buying at today’s rate and settling at a higher future value. In the current cycle of limited supply, it’s reasonable to expect continued price appreciation over the build period.

• Lower upfront costs and time to prepare: Off the plan purchases generally require only a 5–10% deposit now. No mortgage payments are needed until settlement, reducing holding costs. This structure gives investors 18+ months to budget, secure financing, or sell another asset if needed, making it a gentler entry point than an immediate settlement purchase.

• Tax benefits and incentives: Brand-new properties come with maximum tax depreciation benefits, allowing investors to claim deductions on the building and fittings, which can significantly improve after-tax returns. Additionally, many states offer stamp duty concessions for off the plan buyers. For instance, Victoria recently announced a stamp duty reduction of up to 75% (around $28,000 in savings on a ~$620k apartment) for eligible off the plan purchases, now through to Oct 2025. These incentives make new developments even more appealing and cost-effective for investors.

• Modern appeal and strong rentals: Off the plan properties are brand new — featuring modern designs, new appliances, and energy-efficient construction. This tends to attract quality tenants and premium rents, an important factor given the tight rental market. Investors also enjoy lower maintenance costs (with builder warranties covering early issues) and higher depreciation, as mentioned, which together mean better cashflow management in the crucial early years of ownership.

Of course, buying off the plan isn’t without risks (e.g. construction delays or valuation shortfalls), but those can be mitigated with due diligence and the right support. The key is to choose reputable developers and projects with strong fundamentals — and that’s where experience comes in. In the current climate, the pros of off the plan — secure entry, potential capital uplift, tax advantages, and government incentives — strongly position it as a savvy strategy for many investors. It offers a way to participate in today’s market momentum with a fraction of the cost upfront, while aligning with anticipated improvements (like interest rate cuts by settlement time). We are actively seeing our clients leverage off the plan opportunities as a means to get ahead of the market and maximise their returns.

Partnering with experience and qualifying buyers

 In a booming yet complex market, the value of working with experienced partners cannot be overstated. As referral partners, you know that not all property opportunities (or clients) are created equal.

Off the plan deals, in particular, require careful project selection and buyer preparedness. This is where our expertise and collaborative approach make all the difference. We rigorously vet developers and developments before recommending them — examining track records, build quality, contracts, and financial viability. Investors should take the time to understand the contract and history of the developer, and our team ensures this due diligence is done thoroughly upfront. By curating only sound projects, we protect your clients from undue risk and help shield you (our referral partners) from any fallout that could damage trust or reputation.

Equally important is qualifying buyers well for off the plan investments. We work closely with you to ensure that referred clients have a clear financial capacity and realistic expectations from the start. Because there can be a significant lag between deposit and settlement, it’s crucial the buyer can comfortably obtain finance when the property is completed — even if interest rates or lending conditions change. Our process includes verifying financing pre-approvals, stress-testing serviceability, and aligning the investment choice with the client’s long-term goals and risk profile. By doing this homework early, we greatly reduce the chances of contract default or last-minute surprises. In short, we make sure your referral is ready to buy. This means smoother transactions and peace of mind for everyone involved.

Experienced partners also add value through guidance and support. We keep clients engaged throughout the construction period with progress updates, market reports, and preparation for settlement (such as helping arrange property managers or depreciation schedules). This proactive communication keeps buyers confident in their decision — reflecting well on you as the referrer. Additionally, our knowledge of market incentives and financing options helps clients maximise benefits (for example, ensuring they claim all available grants or tax deductions).

By partnering with an expert team, referral partners can trust that their clients are in capable hands and will receive end-to-end support. It enables you to extend your service offering (leveraging our specialisation) without taking on additional workload or risk. Ultimately, our collaborative approach builds trust and success all around — the client achieves their investment goals, you strengthen your client relationship (and earn referral rewards), and we grow our network through positive outcomes.

 Next steps for partners and clients

As we move further into 2025, here are some actionable steps to capitalise on the insights above:

• Leverage the data: Referral partners: Share these market trends with your clients — informed investors are confident investors. Use facts like 'property values are at record highs again' or 'vacancy rates are at historic lows' to spark discussions about why now is an opportune time to invest.
  Clients: Stay informed. Regularly review market updates to identify timing or location opportunities for your next purchase.

• Identify off the plan opportunities: Referral partners: If you have clients seeking growth, discuss the benefits of off the plan options in the current climate. We can provide a curated list of quality projects (with location research and expected returns) suited to investor needs.
  Clients: Consider if an off the plan investment aligns with your goals. If you value capital growth and tax efficiency and have a 1–2 year timeline, this strategy could be ideal. Conduct due diligence (with our help) on the developer and contract specifics before committing.

• Review financing and get pre-approved: Clients: Given the prospect of further interest rate relief, ensure your loan pre-approval is up-to-date and factor in rate variability. Use this time before any rate cuts to lock in competitive terms.
  Referral partners: Encourage your clients to get their finances in order early. We’re happy to connect them with finance brokers who understand off the plan requirements and can structure loans for settlement in the future.

• Engage with our team: Referral partners: Reach out to us for a strategy session. We can brief you on the latest developments, upcoming project launches, and tailor-made investment proposals for any of your interested clients. It’s also a great time to review our referral program benefits and ensure you’re maximising the value of our partnership.
  Clients: Don’t hesitate to contact us directly for a portfolio review or to discuss new investment opportunities. Whether you are a first-time investor or expanding your holdings, we’ll provide a personalised game plan aligned with the current market.

Confidence and knowledge are key in this market. By staying proactive and collaborating closely, we can help more investors secure solid deals even as the market evolves. This year is shaping up to be a year of growth and opportunity — and together, as a team of referral partners, experienced advisors, and motivated clients, we’ll make the most of it.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. We remain committed to supporting you with timely insights, quality opportunities, and steadfast guidance. Here’s to savvy investing and shared success in the months ahead!

Sources: Current market data and trends are drawn from CoreLogic and NAB research, as well as industry surveys (Property Council) and expert analysis. Policy and election insights reference recent coverage by ABC News and The Guardian. Off the plan benefits are based on market research and government policy updates.

Please reach out if you’d like detailed reports or further information on any of the above.

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